Iran and Oman Discuss Temporary Hormuz Corridor as US Impasse Continues

Iran has restarted talks with Oman to manage the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened economic pressure from the U.S. in the ongoing conflict. The two countries discussed a joint temporary navigational corridor and agreed to clear mines from the strait, which handled one-fifth of global oil shipments before the war began in February. Most shipping has since shut down, and an oil tanker was struck Tuesday near the strait's entrance. Diplomatic efforts for a peace deal have stalled, though the U.S. is returning personnel to some Middle East missions, signaling lower escalation risk. Washington threatened sanctions on countries doing business with Iran, while oil prices fell and U.S. public approval of the war hit a record low.